Chemicals, Environment, Equity, Public Health, and Periods (CEEP.) Lab

Ramaley N379

Research Interests

The CEEP. Lab sits at the intersection of environmental epidemiology, environmental monitoring, and women’s health. Chemicals in our environment, ranging from air pollutants like black carbon and particulate matter, pesticides in soil or water, and metals or volatile organic chemicals in tampons or other personal care products, can impact our health. The CEEP. Lab explores these connections by monitoring chemicals in air, water, and products, measuring people’s exposure to these chemicals, and studying the health impacts of chemical exposure. Our lab prioritizes research questions that address inequities, directly inform policy, or respond to community concerns.

Current research topics include:

  • What chemicals are present in tampons? Can these chemicals get into people’s bodies and impact health?
  • Can menstrual blood be used to measure chemical exposure relevant to reproductive system disorders?
  • How have Environmental Impact Statements and community engagement influenced air pollution and health outcomes resulting from highway expansion projects?
  • How has CO’s Public Protection from Toxic Air Contaminants law changed exposure to air toxics in the Denver metro area?

Personnel

The CEEP. Lab is run by Jenni A Shearston, Ph.D.

Opportunities to Join the Lab

Undergraduate Student Lab Opportunities

The CEEP. Lab has a small number of positions for undergraduate students who would like to engage in public health research. We expect a minimum commitment of 8 hours per week. Opportunities are available to do projects involving secondary data analysis or human subjects projects. If you are interested, please email Dr. Shearston with the subject “Student Inquiry: Undergraduate lab opportunity”. Attach your most recent CV/resume and a recent writing sample. In the body of your email, please answer the following questions: (1) What research question(s) are you most motivated by and why? (2) What skills would you most like to learn in the CEEP. Lab?

Currently Accepting Graduate Students

Dr. Shearston is currently accepting doctoral and master’s students. If you are interested, please email Dr. Shearston with the subject “Student Inquiry: Potential [doctoral / master’s] student”. Attach your most recent CV/resume and any research or personal statement you have prepared. If you have any scientific publications, please attach a pdf of the scientific paper you are most proud of. In the body of your email, please answer the following questions: (1) Why would you like to be a public health scientist and researcher? (2) What research question(s) are you most motivated by and why? (3) What skills would you most like to learn as a student? (4) Describe your mentorship style. How do you like to be mentored? What are some values you prioritize when mentoring others?